>>Human Rights Watch Report Alleges Abuses During Operation Metro Surge
(Minneapolis, MN) — A new report released today by Human Rights Watch accuses federal immigration agents of widespread abuses during Operation Metro Surge in the Twin Cities and surrounding communities. The report, titled “A Manufactured Crisis: Minnesota Communities Terrorized by the Federal Government,” alleges racial profiling, unlawful detentions, and other civil rights violations. Researchers also claim two people were unlawfully killed during the operation. Human Rights Watch is calling for accountability and significant reforms to federal immigration enforcement policies. The findings are being unveiled during a 10 a.m. event at the University of Minnesota Law School in Minneapolis.
>>Minnesota State Board Elects New Leadership
(St. Paul, MN) — The Minnesota State Board of Trustees has unanimously selected Dawn Erlandson as its next chair and Jim Grabowska as vice chair. Both appointments take effect on July 1st. Erlandson, a first-generation college graduate and trustee since 2012, will serve a two-year term after spending the past two years as vice chair. Grabowska, a former educator and professor who joined the board in 2022, was elected to a one-year term as vice chair. Minnesota State oversees 26 community and technical colleges and seven state universities, serving roughly 270,000 students across the state.
>>MnDOT Seeks Public Input on Future of Greater Minnesota Transit
(Undated) — The Minnesota Department of Transportation is asking residents to help shape the future of transit service across Greater Minnesota. MnDOT says changing travel habits, population shifts, and workforce demands are creating new challenges for rural transportation systems. The agency is developing a plan aimed at improving mobility, access to services, and coordination among transit providers. Public comments will be accepted through July 25th, and virtual listening sessions are scheduled for June 22nd and 23rd. Officials encourage anyone who relies on or is interested in public transportation to share feedback as the plan moves forward.
>>New Poll Shows Rep. Craig Leading in U.S. Senate Race
(Minneapolis) – A new independent poll shows Congresswoman Angie Craig leading Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan in the DFL race for U.S. Senate. The poll is the first independent poll for this race from KSTP 5 Eyewitness and shows Craig holding a 41% to 36% lead over Flanagan. The poll also shows increased concern among Independents and Democrats regarding fraud in state government. The numbers show that more than 80% of voters, including a majority of Democrats, are somewhat or very concerned about fraud.
>>Minnesota Veterinarian Urges Calm Response to New World Screwworm
(Minneapolis, MN) — A University of Minnesota livestock veterinarian is encouraging producers to stay informed but not overreact to recent New World screwworm detections in Texas and New Mexico. Dr. Angie Varnum says the parasitic pest is an important concern nationally, but it does not pose an immediate threat to Minnesota’s beef, dairy, sheep, goat, swine, or horse industries. Varnum says producers should continue following established biosecurity measures, including obtaining certificates of veterinary inspection before moving animals across state lines. She says the greatest risk to northern states would come through animal transportation and travel, making routine health inspections the best defense.
>>Forest Tour Highlights Wildfire Prevention and Moose Habitat Efforts
(Northeastern Minnesota) — Forest managers and conservation partners got a firsthand look at wildfire prevention and habitat restoration efforts during a spring field tour in northeastern Minnesota. The tour examined lessons learned from the 2021 Greenwood Fire, including how thinning forests and prescribed burns helped slow the blaze. Participants also discussed strategies to improve moose habitat through cooperation among state agencies, Tribes, and conservation groups. The importance of that work was reinforced by the recent Stewart Trail Fire, which burned more than 350 acres and destroyed over 30 structures, including eight homes.
>>New Trail Connector to Open Between Eveleth and Virginia
(Eveleth, MN) — Snowmobilers on the Iron Range will have a new trail connection to enjoy this winter. The Eveleth Trail Hawks Snowmobile Club has completed a three-mile connector trail linking Eveleth and Virginia, thanks in part to a $10,000 grant from the Northern St. Louis County Trails Task Force. The project began in 2016 after the Highway 53 reroute eliminated a previous trail. Club officials say the grant helped finish the final segment and leverage an additional $75,000 in investments. The volunteer-run organization maintains about 40 miles of snowmobile trails in central St. Louis County.
